Mannheim Steamroller Stories

Enjoy a new video daily!

As it is with many Mannheim Steamroller fans, Christmas is one of Chip’s favorite times of the year. Discover the meaning and inspiration behind his original Christmas Carol, “Traditions of Christmas” and the traditions that inspired this soft Christmas lullaby in this short video clip.

When ancient Greek merchants went to work and came back home again, it was by way of the sea. The sea was, in a very real way, what they came home to. Watch the classic video by Mannheim Steamroller that captures this feeling in song and with imagery from Greece!

In Greek mythology, the sea held an important place in life, especially for those who frequently traveled on it. Watch this short clip to see Chip describe what went into this classic from Fresh Aire VI.

See Chip’s explanation of the seven doors from his Fresh Aire II classic composition, “The Fantasia” in this short video. Hear him describe how each quickly changing scene represents a different door and musical mood.

See Chip reveal the inspiration behind Mannheim Steamroller’s “Christmas Extraordinaire” hit, “Faeries” in this short clip. We’ll give you a hint, the melody was inspired by a member of his family. Make your guess, then watch to see if you’re right.

Listen to Chip describe how childhood treks into the field at night with his grandfather formed a fascination with the stars in him. Watch this short clip to see why “The 7 Stars of the Big Dipper” is dedicated to Chip’s grandfather and first piano teacher, Dr. Ray Louis Sr.

Learn more about the recording challenges and inspiration behind this Fresh Aire IV classic, “G Major Toccata.” Watch Chip describe what went into capturing the powerful horn and trumpet sounds of a magnificent Kansas City church pipe organ in this short video.

Hopping in from the trees surrounding Chip’s Raven Oaks home, a cricket had gotten itself trapped beneath a wicker plant stand. The rhythmically even sound it produced inspired Chip to grab a microphone, record the beat and use it as the basis for a new musical track on Fresh Aire III. Click play to listen…